I feel a change of career, and fancy going back to study.
Has anyone done this as a mature student? Any advice, please?

I haven't but planning on going back to school in Jan. It's a scary thought.

I have and will again soon, I enjoyed it a lot more as a mature student.

MoniGram said:

That's great! What will you be studying?
As for me I haven't a clue what I want to go into.

statuesqque said:

Are you going back into something totally new, or something that will give you higher qualifications?

MissMe said:

Paralegal...I have always been interested in the law...who knows..maybe after doing this..I will think about a Law degree!

In my second year as a first time college student. I'm in school to get my Bachelor's degree in Economics. It is the most difficult and yet rewarding experience I have ever had.

What's the definition of a mature student? I took a few University courses in Vancouver at age 28 and it felt fine for the most part. I guess it helped that most of them were not at entry level, because then you don't have to put up with quite as many teenagers.

MoniGram said:

Cool. But I cannot imagine myself doing anything like that.

Lothan said:

Congratulations!
I bet not only the hard work and time invested, as well as home life and extra expenses, it can't be an easy ride.

what kind of things interest you?

MissMe said:

Something totally new and I really excited about it.

MoniGram said:

Anything and everything. That's why it's difficult. I guess I need to look at some courses and see which stick out, and which sound most inspiring. That's what is exciting, I do want to take a whole new direction. Maybe close my eyes and choose anything! Who knows?

statuesqque said:

I hope you enjoy it. Are you one of these people who want to be in full time education for the rest of their lives? I have friends like that.

MissMe said:

I was like that too...it has taken me forever to decide to do this. I first went to college to be a Social Worker...then I focused on being a Mommy, then I got into graphic design. And finally I said..Moni..you have always loved the Law..get your ass back to school.

MoniGram said:

So long as it doesn't involve medicine or hard math/chemistry/physics - I know I would drop out in the first term.

MissMe said:

oh, gawd no...I know people like that too but I do enjoy learning so I know I'll probably always take a class here and there.

MissMe said:

Fortunately, I was given a scholarship both years and have had no out of pocket expenses.

MissMe said:

i will be entering grad school at 31. does this count as "mature?" during my year of law school...you know, before i wised up and got out of what would have been a lifetime of misery, lol...i was in the older range (though certainly not the oldest).

if you're seeking a change in order to feel fulfilled...do it! who cares about age or anything? it's very gratifying to say fuck all to everything and do what you really want to do!

I went to beauty school at 35. But if you mean a "real" college no.

retina said:

Well I think what you described is mature enough to me.
I would be worried about the young teens, but it wouldn't put me off.

Lothan said:

Oh that's really lucky.

EverSoulicious said:

I mean anything that took you a different route to what you were already working in, so yes, it does apply to you too.

MissMe said:

I didn't think it would put me off either, but it kind of did. They're so annoying. Plus it made me feel like I was redoing my past, and that's never a good feeling. Like I said though, as long as you avoid the entry level courses you'e usually in the clear anyway.

MissMe said:

Yeah.

But the money to go to school is out there for anyone willing to look hard enough to find it.

sassybritches said:

Thank you!

EverSoulicious said:

Hey...beauty school is still college..it's a skill that is learned...and not everyone can do it!

My favorite cohort was a 78-year-old man who earned a Ph.D. in forestry in the mid 1950s. He'd worked for the Canadian government and had been retired for almost two decades when he came to my school last January for another advanced degree in theology. He absolutely ILLUMINATED the place! His life experience, his paternal nurturing instinct toward us younger folk, his zeal in simply being back in action and part of a learning community was priceless. He brought at least as much to my education as what I've learned in the classroom -- and I think he got a lot out of how much we valued him and could teach him about values, etc., of a younger generation.

He passed away in July, but I will always feel blessed to have briefly studied beside him.

You should TOTALLY do this!

MoniGram said:

I love it actually and just like any school, I have learned more on the job then I did in school I do how ever have a few scares on my fingers now